This week, like most, I have been in my community, Racracallán. Here there is not much wildlife, but there are LOTS of farm animals. Here is a list in English, Spanish and Quechua:
Sheep - Oveja - Uusha
Cow - Vaca - Waaka
Bull - Toro - Toru
Chicken - Gallina - Wallpa
Baby Chicken - Pollito - Chipi
Dog - Perro - Allqu
Cat - Gato - Mishi
Donkey - Burro - Ashnu
Horse - Caballo - Kawallu
Goat - Cabra - Chiwa
Pig - Chancho - Kuchi
Guinea Pig - Cuy - Haka
Fly - Mosca - Tushpi
Fox - Zorro - Atuq
The coolest thing I saw in nature this week was local farmers working with their bulls to plow their fields before the rain began. It was incredible to watch how the farmers guide the bulls across the land, preparing the soil for planting. Over the past few weeks, I’ve even helped sow wheat myself.
Seeing the teamwork between the farmers and the animals made me realize how much effort goes into preparing each field. It’s amazing to watch the land slowly transform as everyone works together before the rainy season.
Right now we are in the rainy season, which is an important time of year for my community. My host family, along with many of our neighbors, are busy planting their crops. The rain helps the seeds grow, so this is when people plant wheat (trigo), potatoes (papas), and corn (maíz).